Are antihistamines safe for dogs

Are Antihistamines For Dogs Safe?

NOTE: You should always contact your veterinarian for advice and guidance before giving a pet any over the counter medication

No dog owner likes to see their pup sneezing, coughing and irritated due to an allergy. Yet finding a solution to the problem seems to be a lot harder than it should be.

Effective, safe and dog-specific allergy medicines seem to be annoyingly difficult to get your hands on (although they do exist), and so its only natural that dog owners have begun to question whether our own human antihistamines could help alleviate the symptoms of a struggling four-legged friend.

From Benadryl to Piriton, this article will explore the pros and cons of giving your dog human antihistamines, helping you to put a stop to your animals agitation!

Can I give my dog human antihistamines?

Human antihistamines are usually safe for dogs to take, but make sure you check the brand and correct dosage amount with your vet before giving one to your pet.

The most commonly used antihistamines are diphenhydramine, cetirizine and loratadine, which can all help relieve symptoms such as itching and sneezing for dogs.

Although sounding decidedly scientific, you may know these better as the main ingredients in well known branded allergy drugs such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Just like with humans, these antihistamines can sometimes have side effects on dogs and so you need to be wary. Thankfully these arent usually harmful and tend to result in either making a dog very drowsy or opposingly making them behave more hyperactive or erratically.

But although most brands are generally safe, you do need to be careful when shopping for over the counter antihistamines. Occasionally they will contain other harmful ingredients such as decongestants which could be toxic for your dog.

Such mistakes can be avoided by thoroughly observing the label and ingredients list, or by getting in touch with your vet!

Best antihistamine for dogs

The best antihistamine for dogs is the Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Tablet, purely because its one of the only antihistamines on the market to be made especially for canines and not humans.

In fact, its not even suitable for human consumption!

This means you no longer have to stress over whether you can give your pooch a Piriton or not, as theres already a doggy designed option readily available!

While most canine allergy relief products are merely a vitamin or fatty acid supplement designed to boost itchy skin, Vet Bests tablets are one of the few to contain an actual antihistamine that prevents your pups body from reacting to allergens and stimuli they are sensitive to.

The tablets utilise the active ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride, the same antihistamine used in popular human allergy tablets such as Benadryl. And unlike other dog allergy medicines like Apoquel, Vets Best doesnt require a prescription, making them a cheaper and less time-consuming, quick fix!

The tablets work in the same way as a human drug, by blocking the bodys H-1 receptors in the blood vessels and muscles. This prevents your dogs body from producing histamines when confronted with non-harmful allergens, and in turn prevents irritating reactions like itching, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose.

Anyone who owns an allergy-suffering pup knows that skin issues are often the most troublesome symptom. So Vets Best tablets are a particular lifesaver when it comes to providing fast relief to minor skin irritations, helping to reduce constant scratching.

As the tablet is designed for dogs, working out the right dosage for your pet pooch is also totally hassle-free. Here is the simple dosage table for you to follow, based entirely on your pups weight!

• 10-24 lbs: 1/2 tablet
• 25-49 lbs: 1 tablet
• 50-75 lbs: 1 1/2 tablets
• 75 lbs+: 2 tablets

As with any medicines, you should always check with your vet before administering Vets Best to your pet, just to be safe.

Ask a veterinarian before use if your pet has:

• Glaucoma
• Asthma
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Urinary Bladder Obstruction
• Enlarged Prostate Gland
• Hyperthyroidism
• Is Pregnant or Nursing
• Weighs under 15 lbs

Its also particularly important to avoid using it in combination with any other product which contains diphenhydramine, to help avoid overdose

Can I give my dog Benadryl?

Although it might seem strange, it is usually safe to give your dog Benadryl to relieve allergy symptoms, and its even prescribed or recommended by some vets.

However, like with any drug, it may not particularly be the best solution to your pups problem!

Benadryl has been known to have adverse effects when taken in combination with other medications your dog may be on, which is why its always imperative to talk to your vet before administering it.

How and when to use Benadryl for dog allergies

Benadryl is best for dogs who are suffering from low to mild allergic symptoms because the drug isnt specifically formulated for canines, so their effectiveness can range from mild to effective.

However, vets still often use it to ease environmental allergies in pups and also to deal with reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be used as a pre-treatment for possible vaccine reactions.

It is to be taken orally, so it is often easiest to add a pill to your dogs food.

Benadryl is not a suitable medication if your pet is having an acute allergic reaction.

Symptoms of an acute reaction are characterised by facial swellings, difficulty breathing and in rare cases anaphylactic shock.

When to avoid Benadryl

Benadryl is one of the safest over-the-counter drugs that can double up as a doggy medication.

However, for canines with certain health issues, they are not the smartest choice.

For pregnant dogs, dogs with glaucoma and canines with low blood pressure or cardiac conditions, taking Benadryl is an unneeded safety risk and so its best to avoid using it.

And its also important to note that if you make the wrong choice, they can be a risk for healthy dogs too. Thats because some Benadryl tablets are combined with other medicines which make them unsuitable and so its vital you ensure your Benadryl tablets contain only diphenhydramine.

Whats the correct Benadryl dosage for a dog?

The recommended dosage of Benadryl for a dog is 1 mg per pound of body weight, to be taken 2-3 times a day. Standard tablets are 25 mg, and so they are the perfect size for a 25 lbs dog.

Obviously this gets trickier when your pup is slightly larger or smaller than 25 lbs and so the most reliable thing to do is ask your veterinarian for the correct dosage for your canine.

Can I give my dog Piriton?

It is generally considered safe to give a dog Piriton to treat environmental allergies, as long as you have sought guidance from a veterinary professional first.

Unlike some of the previously mentioned antihistamines, Piriton is mainly made up of the ingredient chlorphenamine. In the human world, this drug is mainly used to treat runny, itchy noses and hive symptoms, making it a great anti-allergy tablet.

However similar to Benadryl, it is often prescribed by vets to help treat dogs suffering allergic reactions.

But as with Benadryl, if using Piriton for a pup, you should be wary of there being a chance of side effects.

In Piriton these can include; drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth and nausea. In rare instances, these can be more severe and may include respiratory issues, irritability, poor coordination, urination issues and affected concentration.

Thankfully, all of these reactions tend to be fairly mild if they actually occur.

When to avoid Piriton for dogs

If your dog has an existing medical condition, it isnt worth taking the risk and giving them Piriton without the advice of a vet.

Whats the correct Piriton dosage for a dog?

Typically, vets recommend dosing by the dogs weight at 0.91.7 mg per pound of body weight, every 8 to 12 hours.

Its important to remember though that this is merely a guideline, and as always, the best way to determine the correct dosage for your dog is to contact your vet.

Antihistamines for Dogs Everything You Need to Know

Youre having a wonderful day with your dog, playing fetch in the park or snuggling on the couch. Suddenly, you see your dog itching fiercely, sneezing violently or swelling up like a balloon. You recognise that your dog is allergic to something and wonder what you can do to help them.

You have nothing to help but just antihistamines. But wait, are antihistamines safe for dogs? Let us explore some benefits as well as side effects of antihistamines on dogs.

Antihistamines for Dogs

Antihistamines can treat allergies like redness, itchiness or swelling. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a molecule that the body releases in response to an allergen. They are inexpensive, readily available as over-the-counter medications, and generally free of side effects.

As a result of Histamine release, unlike humans, dogs will typically have redness and itchiness of their skin as their main symptoms. Antihistamine can be used to treat the symptoms of mild allergies, to soothe a bee or wasp sting and to get relief from itchiness.

Bee/Wasp Sting

When your dog is stung by a bee or a wasp, the primary thing to do is take out the sting from the body of your dog. You can clean the area with a wet cloth or hold the area under running water for your dog to get relief.

You can also apply ice to reduce the swelling and burning sensations. At this stage, you can give your dog an antihistamine for dogs uk to ease the symptoms. However, you should also as your vet before doing so.

Itchiness

If your dog is allergic, your vet may suggest giving antihistamines to your dog. The allergy might be caused due to some food habit, pollen or any medication used for your dog. Antihistamine can be used as part of treatment to soothe the symptoms of allergies.^[1]

It is crucial to find out the underlying cause of the allergy by observing your dogs diet and medication. This will help curb the root cause of itchiness and help cure allergies.

What Is the Dosage Schedule for Antihistamines?

The typical dosage schedule for antihistamines in dogs depends on the type of antihistamines, the weight of the dog, and the severity of the allergies. Here are some examples of common antihistamines and their dosages for dogs:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 24 mg/kg, every 812 hours as needed. This is equivalent to 12 mg per pound of body weight.
• Hydroxyzine: 0.52 mg/kg, every 68 hours as needed. This is equivalent to 0.230.91 mg per pound of body weight.
• Chlorpheniramine: For dogs less than 20 kg (44 pounds), 4 mg, every 8 hours as needed. For dogs more than 20 kg (44 pounds), 8 mg, every 8 hours as needed.
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec): For dogs, 1 mg/kg or 1020 mg per dog, every 1224 hours as needed. This is equivalent to 0.45 mg per pound of body weight for dogs.
• Fexofenadine (Allegra): For dogs, 25 mg/kg, PO, every 1224 hours as needed. This is equivalent to 0.912.27 mg per pound of body weight for dogs and cats.

These are general guidelines and may vary depending on the individual dogs condition and response to the medication. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any antihistamines and follow their instructions carefully.

What Are the Side Effects of Antihistamines in Dogs?

Antihistamines are medications that can help reduce the symptoms of allergies in dogs such as itching, sneezing and swelling. However, since they are chemicals, they can also have some side effects that you should be aware of before giving them to your dog.

Some of the possible side effects of antihistamines in dogs are:

• Drowsiness and lethargy. Antihistamines might cause your dog to become lethargic and less active, affecting their daily routine and quality of life. This can also be hazardous if your dog is required to be awake or execute specific responsibilities. This is most prevalent with first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
• Dry mouth and blurred vision.Antihistamines might lower your dogs saliva and tear production, resulting in dry mouth and eyes. This can cause discomfort as well as an increase in the risk of infections and dental disorders.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea.Antihistamines can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in your dog. This can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, both of which can be fatal if not treated swiftly.
• Excitability and nervousness.Some dogs may react to antihistamines differently, becoming more nervous and worried rather than calm and relaxed. This might result in behavioural issues and stress for both your dog and you.

When Should You Not Use Antihistamines on Your Dog?

As a paw parent, you should be cautious when using antihistamines on your pet. Firstly, it is important for you to consult your local vet before experimenting with any medicine on your Fido. You should never use antihistamines if your dog has glaucoma, in which the pressure within the eyes increases and it leads to vision loss.^[2]

Dogs suffering from heart or liver disease should also avoid the usage of antihistamines. Moreover, this medicine can also affect the development of fetuses and thus, you should not give it to pregnant dogs. There may be conditions depending on your dogs individual health status and history. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with your vet before giving any medication to your dog.

According to Malcolm Weir and Lynn Buzhardt at VCA Hospitals, Antihistamines areusuallysafe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs.

You should not give antihistamines to dogs with conditions like glaucoma, heart and liver disease, pregnant dogs, or vaginitis in dogs or other vaginal infections.

What Are the Commonly Used Antihistamines for Dogs?

The most commonly used antihistamines for dogs include:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine)
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton)
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Claritin can be used however, veterinarians normally do not advocate it since some types of Claritin contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, which is extremely harmful to dogs. Cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine) is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine that veterinarians suggest.

FAQs

What antihistamine can I give my dog?

Antihistamines with the active ingredients of diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine or loratadine are usually safe for most healthy adult dogs. Hydroxyzine is another dog-safe antihistamine and one of the most effective available, but its only available on prescription.

What is the safest antihistamine to take?

Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.

Is too much antihistamine bad for dogs?

In living animals, hyperactivity, depression, hypersalivation, tachypnea, and tachycardia are the most common signs reported with ethanolamine-based antihistamines, usually occurring within 1 h of exposure. With overdose, dogs may also exhibit mydriasis, dry mucous membranes, disorientation, and fever.

Overview

Antihistamines can be a useful alternative for dogs with mild to moderate allergies since they can relieve some of the discomfort and irritation caused by allergens. Antihistamines, on the other hand, are not a universal remedy and may not be acceptable or effective for every dog.

As a result, it is critical to consult your veterinarian before administering antihistamines to your dog and to carefully follow their advice. You should also keep an eye on your dog for any signs of adverse behavior or overdosing. You may help your dog have a happier and healthier life by doing so.

While antihistamines can provide relief for allergy symptoms, be aware of other conditions like kennel cough which can be mistaken for allergies but may be more serious if left untreated. For more details check out our article on "can kennel cough kill a dog".

References:

1. Purdue Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.).Pet health tips. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
2. Glaucoma in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). VCA Hospitals.